Rioting in the predominantly black city
of Benton Harbor, Michigan after a fatal high-speed chase between
motorcyclists and local police is being characterized by some
as a "race riot." Members of the African-American leadership
network Project 21 disagree, noting that a distrust of the police
as an institution that is held by many blacks is at the heart
of this matter, not exploding racial tension.

"The rioters in Benton Harbor were
motivated by a misguided perception that police are the 'enemy.'
Benton Harbor is a predominantly black town with a black administration
and a black police chief," noted Project 21 member Michael
King, who grew up in northern Indiana - not far from the southwestern
Michigan city. "This perception of the police as an adversary
must change. The job of the police is to maintain order regardless
of the race, status or wealth of alleged perpetrators. In this
case, what should have been the capture of a speeding motorcyclist
has been turned into a state of emergency that, from the outside,
has been labeled a 'race riot' simply because the rioters are
black. This case is not about race."

A Berrien County deputy saw two motorcycles
traveling at over 100 miles an hour in the early morning of June
16 and gave chase. While the initial officer dropped his pursuit
because of the speed of the motorcycles, another officer later
resumed the chase into the city limits of Benton Harbor. With
several blocks between the officer and the motorcycles, one motorcycle
crashed into a building and killed its presumed driver. A vigil
for the deceased that night later turned violent and began two
nights of violence in which buildings were burned, police vehicles
were damaged and police and firemen were assaulted.

Benton Township resident Evette Taylor
was quoted in the local Herald Palladium newspaper saying
about the police, "They harass us, they pull us over for
nothing. We [are] fed up. When do you say 'enough?'" In
this case, the enforcement of the law and public safety is being
considered as hostile act against the community. Officers who
overstep their charge can and should be dealt with in a formal
manner. This occasion, however, was not an instance of abuse
of power, and the reaction of many of the residents they serve
was improper.

Project 21 members are available for
comment on the Benton Harbor, Michigan riots and other issues
affecting the black community. Please contact David Almasi at
(202) 543-4110 x106 for details.